Rush Skeletonweed Plant Care

Rush Skeletonweed (Lygodesmia juncea) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Lygodesmia genus. Rush Skeletonweed is native to the western and central United States and western Canada. Rush Skeletonweed is also known as Skeletonweed, Prenanthes juncea.

Rush Skeletonweed displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Rush Skeletonweed produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Rush Skeletonweed every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Rush Skeletonweed thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Lygodesmia juncea tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Rush Skeletonweed prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Rush Skeletonweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Rush Skeletonweed every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Rush Skeletonweed is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Rush Skeletonweed can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Rush Skeletonweed while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Rush Skeletonweed is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Rush Skeletonweed can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Rush Skeletonweed is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Rush Skeletonweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Rush Skeletonweed is native to the western and central United States and western Canada. In cooler regions, grow Rush Skeletonweed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.